Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 2nd, 2017 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Light snow forecasted into the weekend.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snow in the forecast for the weekend starting in the late afternoon Friday. Cold temperatures will continue and initially calling for east winds shifting to north.

Snowpack Summary

Surface faceting and surface hoar development. Thin slabs developed by previous strong SW winds loaded lee alpine slopes.Â Poor bonding between new and old slab. Mid-pack and below weak and faceted with depth hoar to ground.

Avalanche Summary

Road report of 2 x size 1.5, North and west aspects, alpine elevation.Â

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Big open features, cross-loaded gulleys and ice climbs below significant overhead hazard should be treated cautiously.

Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Faceted snow is easily triggered and can grow quickly by entraining surrounding snow.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.Sluffs may trigger deeper instabilities.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 3rd, 2017 4:00PM